More than 70 intrepid hikers put their best feet forward in a stamina-sapping overnight walk along the Norfolk coast to raise money for charity.

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The Coastal Challenge Walk, to raise money for Norfolk Community Sports Foundation’s Sporting Light appeal, saw those taking part head off from Hunstanton on Friday and finish, some 47 miles later, in Cromer the next day.

There were plenty of plasters and sore legs at the end of the trek, but the aches and pains were more than made up for by the fact that thousands of pounds was raised for a worthwhile cause.

The Sporting Light Appeal raised money for the Community Sports Foundation to use sport to improve the quality of life for those who need it most in Norfolk.

The foundation helps disadvantaged people and those with disabilities to experience the benefits of sport; keeping them active and happy while improving their health and skills for the future.

Among those who took part in the Coastal Challenge Walk was Clive Lewis, Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Norwich South.

Mr Lewis, a former infantry officer who served in Afghanistan, was banking on his previous military experience to get him across the line.

He said: “I’ve certainly done my share of ground-pounding in the past. But even in the army I can’t recall marching this far in as little time. It was truly relentless.

“I’ll be the first to admit that when I signed up, I underestimated just how difficult this would be. It’s not just the distance but the lack of sleep, compounded with the terrain.

“Sometimes it was sand, other times thick mud or worst of all mile after mile of shingle. Seeing that stretch out ahead of you made you want to sob and I’m just glad I managed to make it!”